Truth For Life - Alistair Begg
Enjoy the newest sermons from Truth For Life - Alistair Begg in Cleveland, Ohio via our podcast feed.
Episodes
An Army Bold
When the apostles Peter and John were released from custody after being arrested for proclaiming the Gospel, their fellow believers responded in prayer. Acts 4 records this prayer, which provides Christians of any era with a pattern for how to pray. In this message, Alistair Begg unpacks the early believers' prayer, demonstrating how it was communal, theological, scriptural, and purposeful—and cha
Planting the Vision
After learning of the sorry state of Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah responded with prayerful dependence, careful preparation, and quiet assessment before calling others to act. As Alistair Begg points out, his leadership combined trust in God's sovereignty with practical wisdom and courage in the face of opposition. Through Nehemiah's example, we're reminded that God's work advances through ordinary
Hard-Pressed but Not Crushed
While all Scripture is inspired, not all Scripture is equally inspiring. When we read the long list of names in Nehemiah 3, we might be prone to wonder at its purpose. As Alistair Begg reminds us, though, God's work requires the unified, active participation of those whose names will largely be forgotten, each contributing their part within a larger purpose. And as chapter 4 makes plain, while opp
A Lesson in Leadership
After overseeing the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls and the restoration of the people's right worship, Nehemiah returned to Susa. When he later came back to Jerusalem, what he found was distressing: The people had embraced unhelpful associations, unfulfilled commitments, unkept promises, and unholy marriages. Alistair Begg walks us through each of these issues in turn, helping us to see why t
The Pathway to God’s Plan
The opening verses of Romans 12 point to the fact that discerning God's good, pleasing, and perfect will begins with wholehearted surrender to Him. Alistair Begg explains that as believers grounded in God's mercy, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, resist conformity to the spirit of the age, and pursue inward transformation through the Holy Spirit's renewing work. The Christian
Going Up, Looking Back, Keeping On
Psalm 126, one of the Psalms of Ascent, traces the pilgrim song of God's people through three movements: going up, looking back, and keeping on. Reflecting on Israel's restoration from exile, Alistair Begg shows how joyful remembrance of God's past faithfulness fuels present perseverance and future hope. The psalm's tension between remembered blessing and ongoing need points ultimately to Christ,
The Ministry of Reminder
The first five verses of 2 Timothy 4 encapsulate Paul's concern for the ongoing ministry of the Gospel. At this point in his letter, Paul has reminded Timothy that he must continue in the Gospel himself and that the Scriptures are divinely inspired. Now, as Alistair Begg explains, Paul turns Timothy's attention to the solemn charge, stirring challenge, and straightforward and vitally important com
Proclaiming Boldly, Suffering Bravely
While an approach to Christianity that treats it as a soft option may sound attractive, it's certainly not scriptural. Truly biblical discipleship is muscular, demanding, and thoughtful. The apostle Paul made this clear to Timothy as he urged him to proclaim the Gospel boldly and to suffer for it bravely. In this conference message, Alistair Begg examines the three word pictures Paul used to clari
The Centrality of the Word in Discipleship
As Christopher Ash writes, "The word of God is the driving force that shapes authentic church life." If in our churches we wish to see discipleship in the pews, we have to have discipleship in the pulpit. With this conviction in view, Alistair Begg guides us through Paul's stirring words in 2 Timothy 4:1–8, examining the charge Paul gave to his pastoral protégé, the challenge Timothy faced, and th
Dangers and Delights of Pastoral Ministry
According to one Barna study, the average pastor lasts only five years at a given church—often leaving just when, statistically speaking, he would be approaching his greatest period of usefulness. In a world of such short pastoral tenures, what does it look like to minister in the same place for not just years but decades? In this informal talk to pastors, Alistair Begg reflects on his forty-two y
Pastoral Responsibilities
"What's it like to work just one day a week?" While many pastors find themselves on the receiving end of such questions, the reality is that as Gospel workers, pastors know their jobs are never really finished. As Alistair Begg notes, Paul's instructions to his protégé Timothy make clear that the church is always in need of pastors who will study God's Word diligently so they can remind their cong
Entreating the Extravagant Generosity of God
One of the evidences of our having been adopted into God's family is that we pray. But what are we to actually pray about, and how? In Ephesians 3, Paul reveals his prayers for the Ephesian believers, providing a pattern for prayer that both encourages and challenges believers in all times. In this message, Alistair Begg examines Paul's entreaty, the generosity upon which it's based, and the glori
Confident in Christ
As he reached the end of Romans 8, Paul presented a triumphant closing argument, grounding Christian assurance in God's decisive action in Christ. Because God did not spare His own Son, believers can be confident that nothing essential will be withheld from them. Every charge is silenced by Christ's death, resurrection, reign, and intercession, Alistair Begg explains. Though suffering and oppositi
“A Beautiful Thing”
In Mark 14, we read that as the time for Jesus' crucifixion drew near, a woman came to Him and anointed His head with an alabaster flask of precious oil. While this heartfelt act of worship provoked the disciples' disapproval, Jesus celebrated her for doing "a beautiful thing." Alistair Begg surveys the woman's action, the disciples' reaction, and Jesus' commendation, helping us to see that the on
Groaning and Glory
Writing to the Christians of first-century Rome, the apostle Paul acknowledged that creation, believers, and even the Spirit Himself groan in hopeful anticipation of final renewal. Present suffering is real, Scripture affirms—but it is eclipsed by the promised glory to come. Alistair Begg traces the inseparable link between suffering and glory in God's redemptive purpose, reminding us that the Spi
Living in the Spirit
Genuine Christianity is not just a new set of beliefs or even a new pattern of behavior; it's a matter of new belonging. After declaring the glorious truth that there is "now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," the apostle Paul called his Roman readers to live "not in the flesh but in the Spirit." In this message, Alistair Begg examines the reality and results of the Spirit's prese
No Condemnation in Christ
The seventeenth-century minister Thomas Jacomb once wrote of Romans 8, "From first to last, it is high gospel." Beginning with "no condemnation" and ending with the assurance that nothing can separate us from God's love, it is one of the most magisterial and encouraging chapters in all of Scripture. In this message, Alistair Begg begins a short tour through its profound depths, helping us to grasp
The Man on the Middle Cross (Interview)
On the verge of the release of his new book The Man on the Middle Cross, Alistair Begg sat down with Jonathan Carswell, CEO of publisher 10ofThose, to talk about the viral sermon clip that inspired it and how he hopes it can help the church evangelize the lost. Join Alistair and Jonathan as they cover where the book's central illustration came from, why it focuses on the biblical stories it does,
Regarding Jealousy
The sin of jealousy is often tolerated in Christian circles—but our lenience doesn't make it any less serious. The Bible is clear: Jealousy is a grave matter. In this talk to seminary students, Alistair Begg surveys jealousy's characteristics, consequences, and cure, reminding us that, as with all sin, the key to victory lies in acknowledging our transgression before God and keeping our eyes fixed
Practice, Progress, and Persistence
In a church context that held great potential for apostasy, Timothy faced the task of leading through the example of his lifestyle and work. Faithful ministry, Paul explained to him, flows from godly character—speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity—and from wholehearted devotion to Scripture, exhortation, and teaching. Alistair Begg considers Paul's guidance to Timothy, which can help today's pa
Watch Your Doctrine and Training
Timothy, the apostle Paul's protégé, was not only to be alert to the dangers that lay before the people under his care; he was also to make sure that they understood God's truth. Alistair Begg unpacks Paul's instructions in 1 Timothy 4:6–10, which focus on the importance of ministering well, being nourished in the faith, training for godliness, and, ultimately, placing hope in "the Savior of all p
Watch Your Surroundings
In the concluding verse of 1 Timothy 4, Paul instructs Timothy, "Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." What did he mean by these words? Alistair Begg begins an examination of the answer by looking at the chapter's opening verses, which outline the apostacy Paul warned about, how it would happen, by whom i
Suffering for Doing Good
Peter wrote to the believers of his day to encourage them to hold to the Gospel they had received while living as "sojourners and exiles" in a pagan world. In this series, Alistair Begg walks us through 1 Peter, helping us to see that its vital message remains relevant today.
New Life, New Lifestyle
After declaring the indicatives of what was true of them in Christ, Peter laid out several imperatives for the first-century readers of his first letter to take to heart. As Alistair Begg points out, his instructions—to prepare their minds, be sober-minded, set their hope on Jesus, be holy, live in reverent fear, love earnestly, and obey the truth—remind us today of our need for grace and of the a
On Evangelism and Preaching (Interview)
In anticipation of the release of his new book The Man on the Middle Cross, Alistair Begg sat down with Jonathan Carswell, CEO of publisher 10ofThose, for a wide-ranging conversation on the relationship between evangelism and pastoring. Listen in as the two discuss such topics as how to start evangelistic conversations, how to balance self-critique with self-forgetfulness, the use of humor in prea
“Above All Things”
Above all things, God exalts His name and His Word. This became evident to Moses when, feeling inadequate, he questioned God's choice of him as a spokesman. In response to these doubts, God assured Moses of His presence and identified Himself as the great "I AM." In his final sermon at Parkside Church, Alistair Begg focuses on this unique encounter found in Exodus 3. God met Moses's need with assu
“When Forty Years Had Passed”
After failing in his first attempt as Israel's deliverer, Moses spent the next forty years living the routine life of a shepherd. During these "silent" years, God was preparing Moses to shepherd His people. In this study in Exodus 3, Alistair Begg walks us through God's appearance in the burning bush, His assurance of His sovereignty, and His assignment for Moses. Whether our lives seem out of con
In His Time — Part Two
God makes all things beautiful in His time—even if His timing isn't always our ideal! When the Hebrews were enslaved and treated harshly in Egypt, one Hebrew infant was spared. Nurtured in the faith by his own mother, Moses also enjoyed the privileged life of an Egyptian prince. While little is known of Moses's first forty years, Alistair Begg explores two tragic events—and the resulting disgrace
In His Time — Part Three
The Bible clearly teaches that God created the universe, orchestrates all of life's events, and knows us intimately. In this sermon on Exodus 2, Alistair Begg explains how God's providence shaped the early life of Moses in particular. Before the burning bush, the plagues, and the parting of the Red Sea, Moses murdered an Egyptian and, fearing retribution from Pharaoh, fled to Midian. There, howeve
In His Time — Part One
Amid trials and hardships, have you ever wondered where God was? When life's difficulties seem random and apparently pointless, it's vitally important to know what we believe about God. In this message on the opening of Exodus, Alistair Begg reminds us that even when heaven is silent, our heavenly Father is still at work behind the scenes. The same power that provided a way for Moses to become a r
Preaching Christ from Genesis 37–50
The Joseph story is well-known, but the hit musical's "technicolor dream coat" may have more influence than many realize. The challenge of this brilliant narrative is to bring out both moral lessons and the richness of the Gospel grace it proclaims as the plot illustrates much about the Lord's redeeming patterns. The Tron Church's Willie Philip helps us think through how to preach Christ from thes
The God in Charge of History
The story of our earthly pilgrimage is not a straight line—yet when our lives twist and turn and we face unanswered questions, hardship, and sorrow, there is hope for all who trust in Christ. Beginning with the transition from the end of Genesis to the opening of Exodus, Alistair Begg reminds us that God's providence underpins everything, as He is sovereign over all things, no matter how small or
A Meditation on Mother’s Day
In the moments before He died, Jesus saw His mother, Mary, standing with John and tenderly commended them to one another's care. In this Mother's Day message, Alistair Begg ponders the history and heart of Mary, reminding us that Jesus' loving and temporal provision for her in this moment is an emblem of a far greater reality—the eternal provision Christ makes for all who believe in Him. With this
How the Pastor Shepherds a Praise Team
Most pastors have experienced a Sunday (or many!) when they aren't on the same page as the praise musicians. This disconnect can result in discontinuity between the pulpit and music ministry, frustrating both the pastor and the worship team. In this breakout, Parkside Church's Jonathan Albright considers several practical music ministry scenarios and identifies key principles that lead to unified,
Ministering to Those with Addictions
Between 2020 and 2023, over 400,000 Americans died drug-related deaths, with another 560,000 succumbing to deaths related to alcohol. The statistics are just as bad in Scotland. For the past eight years, Hope for Addiction UK has been seeking to make a difference in this arena. In this breakout session, Terry McCutcheon shares what the organization has been doing and learning as it seeks to minist
Preaching in the Face of Growing Opposition
In a world in which opposition to Christianity seems to be rising, what does it mean to echo the apostle Paul's stirring claim that he was "not ashamed of the gospel"? Thirdmill's Richard Platt helps us see that the answer lies in remembering the words that follow: "It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." The good news of Jesus, he re
“Shepherd the Flock of God”
In the final section of his first epistle, the apostle Peter issued a series of challenging exhortations to the elders of the churches to which he wrote. In the concluding message of Basics 2025, Alistair Begg shows how Peter's words remain relevant to today's pastors and church leaders, reminding them of the key imperatives of Gospel ministry. The only hope we have, he reminds us—in ministry and
Panel Question Time (Basics 2025)
In this Basics 2025 question-and-answer session, Parkside Church's Matt Ross poses attendees' questions to Alistair Begg and fellow speakers Willie Philip and Richard Pratt. How do prospective ministers discern their sense of calling? How can pastors preach the Old Testament Christologically and still remain faithful to the text? What particular dangers does the church face in our politically divi
The Perfect Patience of God’s Mercy
Of all the chapters in Genesis, few are as challenging to understand, much less preach, as chapter 38, which recounts a sordid series of events involving Judah and Tamar. As the Tron Church's Willie Philip helps us see, however, this passage demonstrates that while God's arm is strong, it is also long. If He can work into His wonderful story of grace and mercy even people like those in this story,
Rooted in Christ but Relevant for Our Changing World
All Christian leaders, and especially those who minister the Word of God, must be sure that they remain firmly rooted in Christ. This is especially true when the world around us challenges the Christian faith in new ways. As Third Millennium Ministries' Richard Pratt explains, the apostle Paul experienced this in his own life—and in 1 Corinthians, he wrote how he was able to stay firmly rooted but
Preaching to Bring Us Together
Those serving in ministry can easily lean too far toward idealism on the one hand or pragmatism on the other. In Ephesians 4, the apostle Paul strikes a perfect balance between the hope that is ours in Christ and the necessity of speaking the truth in love to a lost and wandering world. Richard Pratt of Third Millennium Ministries walks us through this vital passage, helping us understand how we c
Ten Things Every Pastor Needs to Know About Abuse
Abuse is often a confounding issue for pastors and ministry leaders to navigate—and identifying abusive and oppressive behaviors in marriage can feel especially overwhelming. In this session, Fieldstone Counseling founder Jonathan Holmes discusses some core principles for caring for the abused well and understanding how abuse goes against God's intended designs and purposes for husbands and wives.
A Roundtable with Alistair Begg, William Philip, and Richard Pratt
What are the plus sides of ministering in a society that seems to have moved on from Christianity? How important is cultural awareness when ministering internationally? Is American Christianity in decline—and if so, where might we be headed in the future? Join Basics 2025 conference speakers Willie Philip, Richard Pratt, and Alistair Begg as they answer these questions and more in this spirited an
The Church’s Abiding Message to the World
The Old Testament presents us with many passages that are challenging to preach—but some are especially disgraceful and disturbing. Genesis 19 is one such passage, detailing a troubling incident involving Lot and the men of Sodom, who sought to commit a wicked act against those in his house. Willie Philip from the Tron Church, Glasgow, leads us through this difficult chapter, demonstrating how eve
God’s New Society
To some extent, we all hope for a world of harmony, hope, and peace. But how is such a world supposed to come about? In this conference message, Alistair Begg explains how the church is intended to allow a fallen humanity to catch a glimpse of the eternal reality described throughout Scripture. The Gospel brings a piece of the future into the present when local churches demonstrate a unity that tr
“Therefore, Brothers and Sisters…”
The great distinctive of Christianity is the hope it offers in a hopeless world. Through an act of perfect redemption, Jesus has dealt with our sinful predicament, and God's wrath has been satisfied. In this Communion message, Alistair Begg reminds us of the believer's security in Christ, which is fixed in the completed work at the cross. Because of Jesus, we can confidently draw near to God, hold
“Why Are You Weeping?”
Failing to grasp that Jesus would be raised to life, Mary found her grief matched by confusion when she saw His tomb was empty. Until He called her by name, she didn't even recognize that it was Jesus Himself who asked, "Why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" In this Easter message, Alistair Begg walks us through the historical reality and universal impact of Jesus' resurrection. Tears give w
“Why Have You Forsaken Me?”
As His death drew near, Jesus cried out from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" To many onlookers on that day, Christ's crucifixion was just a routine execution. To grasp the significance of what was happening, we need to understand the message of the cross as revealed in Scripture. In this Good Friday sermon, Alistair Begg explains how God displayed and satisfied His perfect j
“What Shall I Do with Jesus?”
"What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" Faced with a riled-up crowd and an accused Jesus, the Roman governor Pilate wrestled with this question as he determined whether to do what was right or what was popular. In this Palm Sunday sermon, Alistair Begg examines Pilate's investigation, frustration, and eventual capitulation to the Jewish leaders' false accusations and the people's demand
“The Hour Has Come”
When a crowd led by Judas came to the garden of Gethsemane to arrest Him, Jesus wasn't blindsided. At first glance, it may appear He was the victim, but He was actually masterfully in control, deliberately and providentially fulfilling the Father's will at just the right time. Alistair Begg walks us through the scene of Jesus' arrest in Luke 22, exploring the revealing questions He asked His betra
A Question for Peter
In 1 Corinthians 10:12, the apostle Paul warns his readers, "Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." We find one poignant example of such a fall in Paul's fellow apostle, Peter, who on the night of Jesus' arrest thrice denied even knowing his Lord and Master. Peter's denial, recorded in each of the Gospels, flashes out like a beacon in the night, a warning and reminder to the
“Shall I Not Drink the Cup?”
In Gethsemane, Peter disobediently cut off the ear of Malchus, one of the soldiers sent to arrest Jesus. After healing him, Jesus asked Peter, "Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?" Alistair Begg considers Jesus' words. As the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, Jesus needs no protector; He is the protector—the only substitute who can take the cup of God's wrath
What’s in a Name? — Part Two
In the concluding phrase of His High Priestly Prayer in John 17, Jesus speaks of God's love, praying that the Father's love toward Him would also reside in His followers. As Alistair Begg examines this phrase, we see that the immense, unchangeable, and irreversible love of God is known fully only through Christ. Once this love finds a home in the believers' hearts, it transforms us, providing peac
What’s in a Name? — Part One
When Jesus concluded His High Priestly Prayer saying that He had made the name of the Lord known to His followers, this wasn't an insignificant detail. God jealously guards His name, by which He declares Himself to be self-existing, self-determining, and sovereign. In this message on the final verse in John 17, Alistair Begg reminds us that reverence for God's name matters, as it is much more than
Who Knows?
What is it that keeps people from knowing God? As created beings bearing the divine imprint, we are made for a relationship with God—yet because of our sin, we choose to live without reference to Him, finding our identity and security in other things. In this message on John 17, Alistair Begg examines the prayerful words of Jesus in verse 25 and their encouragement for the believer. Although the w
Jesus’ Own Desire
What did Jesus desire? What was it that motivated His life, ministry, and sacrifice while on earth? We get a window into the answer in John 17:24, where Jesus explicitly prays for those whom the Father has given Him. In this selfless, specific request to God, ultimately sourced in the love of the Father for the Son, we see that Christ longs for us to be with Him and to see His glory—a glory that w
Truth For Life 30th Anniversary Interview
2025 marks the thirtieth anniversary of Truth For Life, the fiftieth year of Alistair Begg's ordained ministry, and his final year serving as the senior pastor at Parkside Church. In this special interview, Alistair sits down with host Bob Lepine to look back over the last three decades of radio ministry and forward to his hopes for himself and Truth For Life in the future. Listen in, celebrate Go
Standing Firm in the Grace of God
As he drew his first epistle to a close, the apostle Peter turned his focus to the elders of the churches to which he wrote, urging them to lead their people with godliness. Elders and pastors are shepherds over God's flock, Alistair Begg reminds us—ones who should lead by example, cultivating humility, entrusting God with their anxieties, preparing to face adversity, and resting in the security o
Stewards of God’s Varied Grace
In the fourth chapter of his first epistle, in light of all that he'd written up to that point, Peter continued to unpack how the reality of Christ's sacrifice should shape the day-to-day of the Christian life. Living under the shadow of the cross, Alistair Begg explains, means thinking properly, living differently, and being prepared to face abuse, even as we keep our eyes fixed on the end and en
Honorable Conduct
The believers of Peter's day, transformed by God's grace, faced inevitable accusations from the world around them. In response, Peter urged them to defend themselves not by arguing for their position but by living honorable lives. Alistair Begg walks us through the apostle's teaching on Christian conduct in the realms of submission to civil government, servants' duty to their masters, and marriage
Living Stone, Holy People
Having urged the readers of his first letter to "love one another earnestly from a pure heart," Peter went on to explain what such brotherly love would entail. Alistair Begg unpacks the apostle's instructions, which clarify that fellowship demands action. In their new life together, Christians must be prepared to feed themselves on God's Word, establish themselves on the foundation of union with C
How Great a Salvation!
The initial readers of Peter's first epistle were an eclectic group, comprised of both Jews and gentiles dispersed throughout a broad geographical region and facing various trials and persecutions. Even so, they were unified by the shared reality of having been "born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." Alistair Begg examines the opening verses of 1 Peter
The Second Advent
We are living today between two advents: We look back on the first advent, the incarnation of Christ who came in humility to seek and save the lost; and we look forward to the second advent, when, in fulfillment of God's promises, Jesus will return in glorious triumph and majesty to execute judgment and reign forever over all. Looking to Jesus' words in Mark 13, Alistair Begg considers what Script
Wonders of His Love
Jesus was born to die to save sinners. The baby in the manger is the creator of the universe and the same one who, within hours of His death, prayed for His disciples. He displayed His glory through perfect obedience to the Father—which culminated in His sacrificial death. Examining John 17:22–23, Alistair Begg considers the glory given to Christ. This same glory is extended to believers so that w
The Gift of God
Christmas is a popular time of year for gift giving. Sometimes our efforts to find the ideal gift hit the mark; other times, they fall woefully short of expectations. In this Christmas Eve service, Alistair Begg reflects on how Jesus is the only truly perfect gift. He alone fulfills the deepest longings of the human heart for genuine happiness, abiding peace, and everlasting love. But like any pre
All One in Jesus
All who trust in Jesus are united in Him with fellow believers. Looking to Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, Alistair Begg explores the foundation and distinctiveness of Christian unity. When the Holy Spirit applies the Gospel's truth to our hearts, the resulting unity is supernatural in origin, doctrinal in substance, evangelical in expression, and pastoral in focus. Believers worldwide are called to
What Angels Wish They Knew
When the angels announced the birth of Jesus, although they were observers and participants, they could not know firsthand the joy salvation brings. In the incarnation, God the Father did something that was truly unique and unmistakable: He sent His Son, Jesus, to save from their sin all those who would trust in Him. At the center of the Christmas story is not a cradle but a cross—the emblem of th
“And for Their Sake…”
"Jesus loves me, this I know." This simple refrain from a children's song puts words to a life-altering biblical truth. In this message rooted in John 17:19, Alistair Begg emphasizes the great love Jesus shows to His own—a love demonstrated through His consecration of Himself for suffering on the cross. That agonizing sacrifice, which Jesus willingly entered into, provides justification and, ultim
“Into the World”
Before His earthly mission came to an end, Jesus prayed for the disciples as they were being commissioned to serve the Lord. Focusing on John 17:18, Alistair Begg considers what God the Father has done, what Jesus has done, and where believers fit into God's eternal plan. Because God loves the world, He sent Jesus to redeem those who are perishing. In turn, Jesus calls the redeemed—empowered by th
“Sanctify Them”
In His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus asked God the Father to sanctify His disciples in the truth of His word. In this study of John 17:17, Alistair Begg takes a look at how the doctrine of sanctification is defined biblically, displayed progressively, and discovered submissively. When we trust Christ as Lord and Savior, we're considered holy, set apart by and for God. Through the lifelong process of
Historical Theology
Over five hundred years ago, Christianity was buried under layers of superstition, immorality, and biblical illiteracy—yet questions about life and death, knowledge and authority, and how sinful men and women could be made right with God remained. In this Reformation Day message, Alistair Begg recounts how the church of medieval Europe came to rediscover the Gospel message found in Jesus' life and
The Evil One
Jesus asked God the Father to keep believers from the Evil One while they remain in the world. Focusing on verse 15 of Christ's High Priestly Prayer, Alistair Begg investigates the identity and strategy of the devil, Jesus' victory over evil, and the Gospel-grounded security and resulting activity of the Lord's followers. We're engaged in a spiritual battle—and although Satan is crafty and unrelen
Anchored by Grace
As he drew his first letter to a close, Peter focused in on the reality of suffering that his recipients would endure and the need for leaders to shepherd their flocks well. Like every caring pastor, Peter realized that the people to whom he was writing needed to know God and live in the light of His truth. In this message, Alistair Begg examines Peter's instructions to embrace humility, receive G
“If the World Hates You…”
Hearing and believing Christ's words radically changed His disciples—which provoked the surrounding culture's hostility. Alistair Begg explains that the unbelieving world hates biblical truth and Christlike living because they expose humanity's lostness, immorality, and need of a Savior. Ultimately, Christian conviction ignites a life of conflict, because the same grace that reconciles us to God a
The Keeping Power of God
Knowing that after His imminent arrest, His disciples would soon scatter in fear, the Son of God prayed for their spiritual preservation, unity, and joy. Unpacking verses 11–13 of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, Alistair Begg points out how God's care for His children supersedes our greatest self-concerns. Not everyone experiences God's blessings, though! The inexpressible joy of salvation can only b
“I Am Praying for Them”
If Jesus offered to pray on your behalf, what would you ask Him to pray for? In His High Priestly Prayer in John 17, Jesus prayed for His disciples, distinguishing them from the world, declaring them to be agents of His glory, and asking the Father to keep them in His name. Alistair Begg unpacks how over two thousand years later, that same prayer is still being answered for all those who follow Ch
September 3, 2024: “They Have Kept Your Word”
“Before the World Existed”
In His High Priestly Prayer, recorded in John 17, Jesus prayed for Himself and all His followers—including believers today. Alistair Begg examines the eternal nature of Jesus' request for glory and the victorious report He shared as He prayed to the Father. Because of His immense love for sinners, God the Father planned the work of salvation, God the Son accomplished it on the cross, and God the S
“The Hour Has Come”
When "the hour had come" for the fulfillment of Jesus' earthly ministry, He turned to God the Father in prayer. Alistair Begg explores this pivotal historical moment by taking a closer look at what Jesus asked, the work He was assigned to do, and the way He assured believers of the nature of eternal life. While the world may view the cross of Christ as an emblem of defeat, Scripture reveals how it
“Rest for Your Souls”
A "Live for today!" attitude is widely embraced by our contemporary culture—and it leads to endless restlessness. In sharp contrast, Scripture teaches that the past and future are also important, because God has appointed a day of judgment. To be prepared to face that day, we need to understand history through the lens of the Bible. Alistair Begg walks us through the real human predicament, God's
